steal

It’s finnallllyyyy winter break over here in LA, + I could not be happier to have a few weeks away from school work. Although it won’t be much of a break for me (I’ll be working almost everyday in BR + at home), I’m looking forward to it. My first OOTD in forever is dedicated to this faux leather mini, that I picked up for $12!

Faux leather skirts are super easy to come by, and they won’t break the bank either. Forever 21 has some great options if you’re wanting to spend next to nothing. The great thing about them is how easy they are to dress up + dress down. Dressing them down is not something I have seen often, but it was really easy to achieve. I pulled together a few options if you’re wanting to add this staple to your closet.

fab in faux

Daytime wear meant I needed to do some coverage up top to balance out the length of the skirt. A white sweater + one of my favorite vests topped off this super simple look. The contrast of the black + cognac of the skirt is something I thought made this outfit a lot less bland. But as always, I am a lover of neutrals + had the hardest time straying away (lol).

Looking back at my mumble jumble of photos from June, I’ll go ahead an conclude it was a very random and spastic month full of work, blogging, eating, and a few day trips to Baton Rouge and NOLA. How the heck is it almost July?! That means I’m one month closer to being back in my favorite place, Baton Rouge, (and my new home on the lake whee) but also it means one month left being home and seeing friends and family I don’t get to see too often during school. Ugh!! Such conflicting feelings about summer surround me. Well, I’ll get onto babbling about my June… here we goooooo!

A day trip to NOLA to see my bestie was just what I needed to get this month started off on the right foot! Peep our Ray Bans (classic look from both of us). Get mine here and Zach’s here.

Summer time reading is one of my favorites. I’m still delving into the Cuckoo’s Calling, but hoping I can finish soon because I’ve got quite the list piling up!

I think we went overboard with the pineapple pictures during our time at the beach… Oh well.

My diva bestie from NYC came to visit for a few days this month!! We celebrated with watermelon spritzers + cake!! Thankful that our friendship can withstand 1,150 miles.

Call me DIY queen. Summertime is my DIY season since I have more spare time with no school. I ran to Hobby Lobby and snagged all of this for six dollars (go me with my coupons!!). Three necklaces later, and I’m wanting to go back for more.

My future home is coming along quite nicely, don’t ya think? August cannot come soon enough! (Can’t you tell how excited I am to live in this babe with all of my best friends/sisters!) #rushaphi

Walked into Ulta for one thing, and walked out with four…. Oops. I’ve heard only rave reviews about the NYX soft matte lip creams, and Maybelline instant age rewind concealer, so I’m super exited to try!

Probably the best fifty three dollars I have spent this month. This lens is amazing y’all. It rivals the Cannon 55 mm lens (did I mention it’s half the price?!!). I’ll be using this bad boy from now on in my blog pics so stay tuned to see it in action!

Maddie meet LGIP readers, LGIP readers meet Maddie. She’s been with me throughout this whole process and I am so elated to announce that she will be partnering with me to grow my social media. We’ve already taken an online class and plan to take some more to expand our knowledge on the subject. I cannot wait for y’all to see her amazing work!! (PS: this is an upcoming OOTD post… My dress is from Tobi!)

Forever wishing I could take blog pictures 24/7. When an off day rolls around, you can one hundred percent catch me with my camera in hand.

And last but not least… my most exciting endeavor for the month of June… an official Louisiana Girl in Pearls instagram. I’ve been reluctant to branch out from my personal instagram just because I would have to start over with all of my followers, but so far the support has been amazing. If you get the chance go ahead and check me out here.

When I hear the word “sale” my eyes light up. Who doesn’t love to save money? I do that’s for sure. Nordstrom is currently holding their Half-yearly sale of 40% off until June 5. Yeah you heard me right. You’ve still got about 9 good days to shop this sale. Check out my picks below!

shop the sale

Let me know if y’all end up getting anything! Send me a comment, I love talking to readers :-) Lots of love!!

Graduation season is among us! I literally remember graduating from high school like it was yesterday! It’s crazy how time flies! Graduation season brings a lot of crawfish boils (if you live in LA like me), and lots of gift giving. While money is always appreciated, sometimes it’s nice to give a physical item to show how much you care. So I’ve scoured the internet to bring to you 10 grad gifts under $40!

// ban.do portable charger //

My portable charger saved my life this year. Seriously. I took it with me for long game days, nights out, or as a “just in case.” I loved the charger that plugged straight into my phone so I didn’t have to carry around cords! This one from ban.do is adorable, yet so functional!

// coco and the little black dress //

Forever wishing I had a coloring book freshman year to relieve stress. Coco Chanel + coloring — it can’t get any better than that. Take this bad boy to the library for a study break, or just keep in your room to unwind at night.

// ban.do passport cover + luggage tag //

This little duo is perfect for a traveler! You’ll never misplace your luggage with this luggage tag, and this passport cover is just the cutest.

// voluspa candle //

Voluspa has THE BEST candles hands down. The packaging is so aesthetically pleasing and there’s such a wide variety of scents offered. Burning a candle in my room is one of my favorite things to do at night before bed — aka making this the perfect gift for a grad!

// bauble bar coordinates necklace //

This year I purchased a bar necklace and it’s become one of my favorite accessories. This bar necklace is customizable with coordinates! I’m thinking coordinates of home or maybe school would make it really special.

// alex + ani bangle //

Another one of my basic pieces that I can pair with anything and everything! Alex + Ani bangles are a sweet, yet simple gift that will be put to good use in any girl’s stack.

// s’well bottle //

Y’all know my thoughts on S’well bottles — love, love, love! I toted mine around all of second semester and I loved how stylish it was, while keeping my water cold. This is a great gift for an entering college student to use on campus, or graduating college student to use at the office.

// target reversible tote //

A big tote is a must for me at anytime of year! I love this one from Target because of the price and the fact that it’s reversible. This would be a fantastic over night bag, carry on, or even just everyday purse (if you have lots of stuff to tote around like me).

Did someone say sale…? Do yourself a favor and snatch up a sweet pair of shoes this weekend from ShopBop! I went ahead and did some of the hard work for y’all- narrowing down the choices. I tried to include a lil’ something for everyone. PS: how stinking cute are the fringe lace up sandals?! I am IN LOVE.

Is it just me or is it every time Christmas rolls around I have the HARDEST time coming up with a list? Throughout the year I am always on Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram and seeing things that make me go “OMG I WANT!” but then Christmas list making comes and hits me like a brick. I seriously struggled this year, y’all. I think the older I get, the more I realize that I don’t really need anything for Christmas, ya know? Well after some thought, I present to you my Christmas List 2015.

// Ray Ban Aviators //

As you all well know- I am sunglass obsessed. Back in July, I broke my favorite pair of Ray Ban Aviators {I talk about this and about my newer pair in this post}. It was such a sad day for me… I had those glasses for four years. They were the first pair I was able to keep up with in the history of EVER. Nevertheless, I miss them dearly and thought I would ask for a new pair of them for Christmas this year.

// J Crew Factory PJ Set //

I’ve recently been on a PJ kick.. Is that even I real thing? I’m not sure but all I know is I’ve been really wanting a PJ set to cozy up in on Sunday mornings when I have nothing to do. Sleeping in a PJ set actually makes me feel like I have my life together somewhat.. lol only me. I plan on monogramming these to add my own flair to them!

// Blanket Scarf //

Blanket scarves are all the rage this season. I’ve seen them on my Instagram feed at least once a day for the past month or two. I love scarves but unfortunately it hasn’t really been cold enough here for me to rock them :( I’m hoping the weather will cool down and I can rock a chunky blanket scarf one day! A girl can only dream….

// S’well Bottle //

Along with being sunglass, PJ and scarf obsessed at the moment, I have always been a fan of water bottles. My favorite are Camelbacks and Tervis Tumblers. I always bring a bottle of water with me to work or to my classes to be sure I’m staying hydrated. Having an adorable water bottle really does make me want to drink water. S’well bottles keep cold drinks cold for 24 hours and hot drinks hot for 12 hours. They’ve got so many patterns and colors, it was so hard to choose.

Well there you have it readers, my 2015 Christmas List. What are y’all asking for this year? Any of the same things that are on my list?

And if you’re still doing some last minute shopping… believe me I feel your pain. Keep this in mind!

Due to the fact that I’m moving into my dorm this Saturday, I’ve been so busy this week with packing and running errands to get ready for my dorm. I’m so excited about school! Big changes are coming up. But, I regress. Now onto the post.

Baubles and Baubles and Baubles oh my! I recently ordered the Bauble Bar Cape Town Build Your Own Stack. There was a promo code which took 30% off my order, so each bracelet ended up being around $8. I would’ve been crazy to pass that up! I’m always looking for statement pieces to add to my collection. If you’re in the market for some high quality fashion jewelry, check out Bauble Bar!

the girl in pearls

Hi y’all, I’m Madison! I’m a fashion student at LSU who has an extreme obsession with fountain Coke, neutrals and One Direction. Fashion is my favorite form of expression and I love experimenting with my style (on a college gals budget it can be tough). I’m so excited you’re here! Kick iff your shoes and stay awhile!